“Encryption is inexorably tied to our national interests. It is a safeguard for our personal secrets and economic prosperity. It helps to prevent crime and protect national security." – A report from the bipartisan House Judiciary Committee & House Energy and Commerce Committee

New York Judge Backs Apple in Encryption Fight

The U.S. government cannot force Apple to unlock an iPhone in a New York drug case, U.S. Magistrate Judge James Orenstein declared on Monday, a ruling that could affect a similar decision involving the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone in California.

“It would betray our constitutional heritage and our people’s claim to democratic governance for a judge to pretend that our Founders already had that debate, and ended it, in 1789,” Judge Orenstein wrote, referring to the archaic All Writs Act.The ruling, which will likely shape the broader battle about privacy and security, comes before today’s congressional testimony on “San Bernardino” from Apple and the FBI.

However, the ruling by U.S. Magistrate James Orenstein in a narcotics case is not binding in the California.

Details may be found in an article by Katie Benner and Joseph Goldstein in the New York Times at http://goo.gl/evsRgO.

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